Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating high-performing teams. Discover how to cultivate a culture where everyone feels empowered to share their ideas and take risks. 🌟 Key Insights: Leadership Essentials: Learn about “The Law of the Tombstone,” reflecting on how you want to be remembered, and explore the balance between loyalty and constructive insubordination—knowing when to support your manager and when to respectfully disagree. Empowering Your Team: Delve into “The Law of Make Your Ow...
Mar 04, 2025•15 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the TMI Podcast, we delveinto the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the testing landscape. As AI-generated code becomes more prevalent—already accounting for 25% at tech giants like Google—the pace of development is accelerating. Testersare now challenged to keep up. Discover how AI is revolutionizing bug detection, test plan creation, and even test automation, enabling testers to become quality champions throughout the development lifecycle. We explore the e...
Feb 24, 2025•18 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we revisit “How Google Tests Software,” published in 2012, to evaluate its relevance today. We examine the roles of Software Engineers in Test (SETs) and Test Engineers (TEs), highlighting their responsibilities, tools, and the challenges they face. We explore the Test Certified system, a tiered framework that encourages developers to sharpen their testing skills. We also discuss Google’s test classifications—ranging from small to enormous—and the use of their internal bug datab...
Feb 17, 2025•16 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we review How Microsoft Tests Software , published in 2008. We explore which methodologies have stood the test of time and which haven’t. Discover Microsoft’s 1:1 developer-to-tester ratio (didn't) and their collaborative approach throughout the development cycle (did). Learn about the hidden costs of technical debt and the importance of Quality Milestones dedicated to addressing it. Understand Microsoft’s “ dogfooding ” strategy, which involves using pre-release software intern...
Feb 11, 2025•20 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we delve into the principles of Agile and lean software development , focusing on streamlining processes and eliminating bottlenecks to achieve faster delivery and improved stability. We explore Agile estimating and planning techniques, such as Planning Poker , and discuss how to foster a healthy team dynamic by embracing open disagreement. We also examine Google’s whole-team approach to testing, including how they categorize test cases and the internal tools and processes they ...
Jan 27, 2025•13 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we dive deeper into the Agile Testing Quadrants and the testing pyramid , exploring how these frameworks guide effective testing strategies. We’ll discuss the value of using real customer examples when designing tests and the importance of developing and testing “thin slices” or “steel threads” to ensure end-to-end functionality. We also cover the benefits of testing with mocks and the efficiency of small pull requests in maintaining code quality. Additionally, we address the po...
Jan 14, 2025•14 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we explore the nuances of effective leadership and decision-making within the realm of software testing and management. We discuss the holistic approach to testing, emphasizing the importance of involving the entire team, including developers testing their own code, and adopting the shift-left philosophy to catch issues early. The episode delves into the complexities of project timeline estimation, acknowledging the inherent challenges in predicting the future accurately. We hig...
Jan 06, 2025•22 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we explore the concept of the 10-Minute Test Plan and why “ failing fast ” is beneficial for agile development. We’ll discuss the ongoing importance of manual testers in the software development lifecycle and delve into the unique culture of “ Googliness ” at Google. We also discuss the benefits of Story Mapping . We’ll emphasize the importance of empowering your team to make decisions and why allowing them to make mistakes can lead to growth and innovation. We also cover the si...
Dec 19, 2024•16 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we delve into the principles of holistic testing and the whole-team approach, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where every team member feels empowered and takes ownership of their work. We discuss strategies for accurately estimating project timelines and explore how Google employs “ dogfooding ” — testing products internally before releasing them to external customers. We also highlight the significance of fostering a continuous-learning mindset within your...
Dec 10, 2024•14 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we delve into the world of Prompt Engineering, specifically tailored for software testers. Discover how to extract the most precise information from Large Language Models (LLMs) using three distinctive frameworks: • RACE: Role, Action, Context, Expectation • COAST: Context, Objective, Actions, Scenario, Task • APE: Action, Purpose, Expectation Learn why it’s crucial to define the AI’s role and provide ample context to ensure accurate responses. Find out how to refine your querie...
Dec 02, 2024•17 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Testing and Management Insights, we debunk two common myths of agile testing: the belief that agile means no documentation and that testers aren't needed. We explore the concept of shifting left and the importance of integrating quality into every step of development. We delve into the Agile Testing Quadrants and discuss the different types of tests that support the engineering team versus those that support the customer. This episode emphasizes the importance of continual col...
Nov 25, 2024•10 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we delve into the essential strategies for cultivating an exceptional software team, emphasizing the importance of building trust and fostering a collaborative environment. We explore key motivators that drive team performance: mastery, autonomy, and purpose. The discussion highlights the shift in leadership from micromanaging to coaching, empowering team members to take ownership and make informed decisions. We introduce the SBI model (Situation, Behavior, Impact) as a structur...
Nov 18, 2024•10 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of TMI we dive deep into the findings of the 10th annual DORA 2024 Accelerate State of DevOps Report, which surveyed over 40,000 tech professionals. Join us as we explore the transformative impact of AI integration in the tech industry: Discover how 81% of organizations are prioritizing AI, with 76% of developers incorporating it into their daily workflows. Delve into the paradox of AI-driven productivity: while individual engineers report significant gains, organizations face ch...
Nov 11, 2024•18 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast Explore the world of whole-team testing and discover how Test Driven Development (TDD) fosters smarter design and more testable code. Delve into the crucial role of the Product Owner as the customer’s advocate. Gain insights into Google’s powerful internal tools that execute millions of regression tests and learn why manual testing remains vital. Embark on exploratory testing tours like the “All Nighter Tour” and the “Garbage Collector Tour” . Discover Google’s bug database, Buganizer, which ana...
Nov 05, 2024•16 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast Dive into the world of AI-driven testing in our latest episode! Discover how Meta is pioneering the use of AI to autonomously test other AIs, eliminating the need for human intervention. We explore the challenges faced by human testers in keeping up with the rapid pace of AI-generated code and how AI-first testing can revolutionize the process. Learn about AI-augmented testing, where AI acts as a co-pilot, enhancing the capabilities of human testers. We’ll also delve into the art of Prompt Engin...
Oct 29, 2024•11 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Testing and Management Insights, we delve into both structured and exploratory testing techniques. We explore structured testing methods such as Equivalence Class Testing , Boundary Value Testing (BVT) , Decision Tables, and State Transition Tables . On the exploratory side, we discuss various manual testing tours , including the All Nighter Tour, where systems are tested to their limits, and the Feature Tour, which involves a deep dive into specific features. We emphasize the...
Oct 23, 2024•16 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of Agile testing and teamwork, contrasting it with the traditional Waterfall approach. We explore the Agile Testing Quadrants , examining business-facing versus technology-facing tests, and those that support development versus those that critique the product. Discover what it means to be a “test-infected” developer and how the Product Owner acts as the voice of the customer. We discuss the importance of self-organization within Agile teams and how...
Oct 09, 2024•19 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast 
